WASHINGTON (AP) -- Oil and gas drilling would be banned in the Great Lakes under a measure adopted by House and Senate negotiators on Tuesday.
Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Menominee, had sought the prohibition amid concerns that the Great Lakes, a large source of drinking water and integral part of the state's tourism industry, could be threatened by an oil spill.
Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, has opposed Stupak's approach, arguing that the powers should be left to the states in the region. Rogers, who also opposes drilling in the lakes, has said the federal ban could empower western states to gain access to drinking water from the Great Lakes in the future.
Note: Coincidentally, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, received $28,300 for his 2004 reelection from the oil and gas industry, more than any other Michigan Congressperson (source: Center for Responsible Politics, www.opensecrets.org).
Posted by Dave at July 27, 2005 12:14 AM